Stepping Up To Build
Introduction
Most Christians are content just to listen to sermons every Sunday. Thank God some are willing to step up to belong to a small group and become more like Christ by going through spiritual formation together with others. However, not many are willing to take the next step, which is to help build the body of Christ. Spiritual formation is not an end in itself. God wants us to be transformed for the sake of others. He wants us to be involved in ministry, whether as workers or as leaders, so that the body of Christ may be built up in love toward spiritual maturity. Is it time for you to step up to help build up God’s people? How can you do this? Based on 1 Peter 4:7-11, there are four ways:
Four Ways to Help Build Up God’s People
- Know your priorities. (1 Peter 4:7) – Sometimes we forget that the end of all things is near. Instead of focusing on how we can serve the Lord while we still have time and energy, we waste our opportunities. We need to pray and seek God’s guidance on how we can be more productive in our Christian lives while we still can.
- Know your place. (1 Peter 4:8-9) – God places us in a particular body of believers (i.e., a local church) so that we can grow together with them and serve one another. Our placement is not accidental but intentional. God places us in a community of faith because we are needed there. We can only grow together if each part does its work.
- Know your potential. (1 Peter 4:10) – Each of us has at least one spiritual gift. Some have more than one gift; they have a set of complimentary gifts. We are to discover those gifts and nurture them for the sake of the body of Christ. Not to do so is to withhold something essential for the growth and maturity of the church.
- Know your purpose. (1 Peter 4:11) – Our goal in ministry is not to exalt ourselves. It is not to focus people’s attention on how good we are in the exercise of our gifts. Our goal is to use our gifts to glorify God. The church is His body, His building, His field, and His people. We are only co-laborers with God in building up His church.
Conclusion
- Central Idea: “You are needed to help build up the body of Christ.“
- You were saved and are being saved so that you can be transformed for the sake of others. Learning is for the sake of serving.
- What is your next step? It is time to ask the Lord to speak to your heart so that you may know His will for your life right now.
Discussion
- Why are some Christians not interested in ministry?
- What are the obstacles that are hindering us from serving the Lord?
- How can we overcome these obstacles?